COVID-19 UPDATE
/The COVID-19 Omicron variant has been hitting the country all over, and we here in STL have certainly felt its impact as well. As of this writing, the positivity rate has dropped to 13% — still very high, but much reduced from 38% only a few weeks ago. In light of this information, but mindful that we still need to take appropriate precautions to decrease transmission, the Executive Team of Union Avenue encourages everyone to decide for themselves (according to their own circumstances and their own level of risk acceptance) whether to stay at home and participate in worship via Facebook Live from Union Avenue’s public Facebook page or to attend in-person worship in the sanctuary, beginning Sunday, February 6.
For those who choose to attend in person, we will still require masks to be worn at all times. We will share in the communion liturgy, but we ask that persons there refrain from partaking of the elements until they are in private, as Omicron still poses a risk for quick transmission when unmasked around others. Our sanctuary is more than large enough to accommodate social distancing, and we trust that everyone will refrain from breaking into others' “COVID bubbles” and family pods.
If you yourself or someone in your family (or work, or school, etc.) are immunocompromised, then you should consider staying home as the best and safest option. If these or similar circumstances don’t apply to you, and if you have been free of any symptoms, certainly you are welcome to come and worship in person. We trust you will make a responsible and informed decision for yourselves and for those to whom you give care.
(For those coming to worship in person, please consider volunteering to help lead a part of the liturgy and reach out to me ASAP so I can get you those materials ahead of time. We really need your help.)
Blessings to all, and thank you for the faithful ways you help us continue to navigate this pandemic.
In Christ,
Rev. Michael
PS: Be safe, stay warm, get your vaccination or booster, wear your mask, wash your hands, and all the other ways you can love your neighbor and yourself. :)